IPL 2024: Devdutt Padikkal heading to LSG, Avesh Khan moving to Rajasthan Royals in swap deal

In a significant trade move ahead of IPL 2024, fast bowler Avesh Khan is poised to switch from Lucknow Super Giants to Rajasthan Royals, with top-order batter Devdutt Padikkal heading the opposite way.

Avesh Khan, part of the Indian squad for the upcoming T20I series against Australia, was acquired by Lucknow Super Giants for INR 10 crore in the 2022 mega auction. On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals secured the services of Devdutt Padikkal for INR 7.75 crore. Both players were retained by their respective franchises for the 2023 season.

Despite promising starts to their IPL careers, both Avesh Khan and Devdutt Padikkal faced challenging times in the 2023 season, prompting the trade agreement for a fresh start in the upcoming edition.

This move marks the second trade ahead of the 2024 IPL season, following the earlier trade of Romario Shepherd from Lucknow Super Giants to Mumbai Indians. Franchises have until November 26 to announce their retention lists, and the player auction is scheduled for December 19 in Dubai.